Sandy's Spotlight
Review For
Falcon's Pray
Book 2 in the Nick Behr Mystery Series
by
J.T. Lewis

I promised everyone a review for this book on an earlier blog post, so here you go.

The following is my March 30,2015, 5 Star Review:

Book: Falcon’s Pray Series: Nick Behr Mystery – Book 2 Author: J.T. Lewis Length: Approximately 302 Pages FALCON’S PRAY by J.T. LEWIS is the second book in the Nick Behr Mystery Series. I’ve read both books in this series and they are stand alone, but I highly recommend you read them both. You won’t be disappointed. I have to say that the start of FALCON’S PRAY was probably one of the best book beginnings I’ve ever read. Don’t believe me? Go to Amazon and click on the book cover to read it yourself. Wow! I was hooked. Mr. Lewis has such a gift writing dialog, but that wasn’t the only thing I liked about this book. I started reading it when I didn’t have much spare time. That was a mistake on my part. I had no choice. I had to put it down, but it was always there haunting the back of my mind until I could spare a few minutes here or there to pick it up and continue reading. This is a fast paced book that somehow continues to build in intensity until it has the reader pacing while reading because you just feel like you can’t sit still through it. It’s full of intense action, characters you want to know more about, humor and an ending that will have your heart pounding. I can’t wait for the next one. Kudos, Mr. Lewis! Loved it!

Blurb:
Being crazy is all fun and games...until somebody dies!
A woman has been killed in the middle of a field...or has she?
Someone is poaching deer out of season...but no one can find the kills...
Now a renegade Native American tribe has taken over the county...
Is it any wonder that Nick Behr is crazy?

Sandy's Spotlightrebecca forster reveals new coversfor witness series

Purchase Links:AmazonAmazon UKB&NiBOOKSSmashwordsPaperbackWhen sixteen-year-old Hannah Sheraton is arrested for the murder of her stepgrandfather, the chief justice of the California Supreme court, her distraught mother turns to her old college roommate, Josie Baylor-Bates, for help. Josie, once a hot-shot criminal defense attorney, left the fast track behind for a small practice in Hermosa Beach, California. But Hannah Sheraton intrigues her and, when the girl is charged as an adult, Josie cannot turn her back. But the deeper she digs the more Josie realizes that politics, the law and family relationships create a combustible and dangerous situation. When the horrible truth is uncovered it can save Hannah Sheraton or destroy them both.

"This story was inspired by a case my husband handled. As a superior court judge he had to sentence a minor to life in prison. It made me wonder how I felt about minors arrested for violent crimes. Are they most vulnerable among us - capable or horrible violence, perceived as adults and yet emotionally still children?" Rebecca Forster

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AmazonB&NiBooksPaperbackJosie Baylor-Bates has a full plate caring for a troubled teen, but it's about to get fuller when her ex-cop lover, Archer, is accused of murdering his disabled stepson - a son Josie never knew he had. When Timothy Wren died at California's oldest amusement park it appeared to be a tragic accident. But now Timothy's biological father and the district attorney are out for blood. Is this a criminal action with merit, a vendetta or is there a big cash settlement in the offing?

For Josie the stakes are higher - it's personal. Racing against time to prove someone is framing Archer, her faith in him is tested by his honesty regarding his feelings about his stepson. Finally, she finds the truth lies with not in Archer's words but with a long-forgotten silent witness.

"This story was inspired when I heard a stepfather talking about rights and responsibilities. It seemed his honest feelings about his stepchildren were rewarded with legal action and vilification. I wondered what would happen to a person who told the truth even though the truth seemed heartless. Is it better to make a promise and not live up to it or be upfront about our too-human limitations?" Rebecca Forster

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AmazonB&NiBooksPaperbackGrace McCreary swears she tried to stop her sister-in-law from jumping from her penthouse balcony but the police have a different take on the situation. They arrest Grace for murder which puts her brother, Senatorial candidate Matthew McCreary, in a spotlight he doesn't relish. Nor is he thrilled when Grace seeks out his former lover, Josie Baylor-Bates, to act as her defense attorney. Josie, who has sworn off rich clients, agrees to defend Grace but even she isn't sure why. She swears she believes in the woman innocence but in her heart she wants to prove that Matthew made a mistake letting her go.

Stepping back into the world of privilege and power, forced to face her feelings for a man she once loved, Josie is determined to win this case - even if she looses everything she holds dear.

"Living in Los Angeles makes one aware that the rich have a leg up in our legal system. People of privilege have a lot to protect and people they love can be at the end of the list." Rebecca Forster

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AmazonB&NiBooksPaperbackIt’s two in the morning when Hannah Sheraton slips into Archer’s Hermosa Beach apartment to see if Josie Bates sleeps in his bed. But Josie isn’t there. In fact, Josie isn’t anywhere. When her Jeep is found abandoned in a parking lot near the Redondo pier, the only clue to her whereabouts leads Archer to Daniel Young, an expert witness for the prosecution in the case that made Josie’s reputation as a defense attorney ten years earlier. Fighting to keep Hannah from being taken into custody by child protective services, racing against a clock ticking off the minutes of Josie’s life, Archer reluctantly partners with Daniel Young and a rogue Hermosa Beach detective, Liz Driscoll, to race down a winding road of intrigue. From the Hollywood Hills to the glitzy evangelical enclave of Orange County; the seedy side of Los Angeles to the pristine and remote California mountains, Archer bores into the past. What he finds is that the woman he loves was once a ruthless and hated defense attorney, that the system he believes in has released a double murderer, and that there is more than one person who would be happy if Josie Bates was never seen again.

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AmazonB&NiBooksPaperbackIn the dead of night, Josie Bates is ripped from sleep by the sounds of an epic storm raging over Hermosa Beach and a man beating on her door begging her to help Billy Zuni who is drowning in the raging sea. She arrives at the shore just in time to see the teenager pulled from the water, battered and near death. Ready to kill Billy’s selfish, neglectful mother, Josie rushes to the Zuni house only to find someone has beaten her to it. Two men lie dead downstairs and Billy’s mother clings to life on the floor above. Spurred on by Hannah’s fear that Billy will be framed for the murders, Josie takes up his defense. But Billy is evasive, physical evidence points to his guilt, and the county counsel wants him committed to the state. With the clock ticking, Archer and Josie set out to find the mysterious man who can vouch for Billy’s whereabouts at the time of the murders. What they find instead is a web of intrigue and deceit that stretches half way around the world and an eyewitness who is blinded by a justice Josie cannot understand.

Appearing before the Senate Select Committee on Eastern European crime, Josie Bates testifies passionately about the brutal Albanian blood feud that has sent Hannah into hiding with Billy Zuni and Archer on a quest to find them. While Senator Patriota, the man sure to be the next president of the United States, promises his patronage Josie isn’t convinced he was even listening – but someone was.

Charging through the crush of bodies, evading security, a frantic man launches himself at Josie. Toppling her to the ground, he pushes something into her hands, puts his lips against her ear and whispers five words that will send her from the icy winter of Washington, D.C. to the tropical warmth of Hawaii in search of Hannah. What Josie finds is a horrific, long buried truth that will change her life forever - if she stays alive long enough to live it.

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AmazonB&NiBooksPaperbackAs the edge of winter slices through Washington D.C., Josie Bates testifies before Congress about the Albanian blood feud that sent Hannah Sheraton and Billy Zuni fleeing for their lives while Archer reluctantly abandons a trail that has gone cold in his search for the teenagers. Determined to stay one step ahead of the authorities who want Billy back and a blood feud that will only be satisfied when he is dead, Hannah and Billy head north. There they will hunker down in the darkest corner of earth they can find and wait for the danger to pass.Though the journey is treacherous, they finally find themselves isolated, safe, and as far from Hermosa Beach as they can get. But their relief is short lived. When the perpetual winter dark turns to inky black, they realize they have taken refuge in hell. Now the fight in front of Hannah and Billy is not only for their lives, but their very souls.

Visit Rebecca Forster at her website (click here) for more information on these books as well as her other books.

Book: Pigeon River Blues Series: Sam Jenkins Mystery Author: Wayne Zurl Release: 2016 Genre: Mystery Length: 247 pages In PIGEON RIVER BLUES by WAYNE ZURL, Sam Jenkins takes on the security role for C.J. Profitt, a local girl that has achieved stardom with her singing. She’s coming home to perform at Dollywood. Along with her fans, she’s made some serious enemies through her outspoken personality and abrasive way she flaunts her alternative lifestyle. She’s received some pretty frightening threats from a right-wing group calling themselves The Coalition For American Family Values. I must say that I absolutely love Mr. Zurl’s writing style. He is a master at quick, witty dialog between characters and Sam’s charm comes through like gangbusters. This is the second Sam Jenkins Mystery Novel I’ve read and I’ve developed a little crush on this character. He’s a real charmer. I’ve got two more on my Kindle and I can’t wait to get to them. If you’re looking for a new mystery series, check out Sam Jenkins. You won’t be disappointed. There are several books out there and going off of the books I’ve read in the series to date, they are all stand alone. PIGEON RIVER BLUES had me on the edge of my seat with thrilling scenes and plot twists, excellent writing style and at times I laughed out loud. Reading doesn’t get much better than this. I highly recommend this book and entire series. Pick one up. You won’t be disappointed.

Blurb:Winter in the Smokies can be a tranquil time of year--unless Sam Jenkins sticks his thumb into the sweet potato pie.The retired New York detective turned Tennessee police chief is minding his own business one quiet day in February when Mayor Ronnie Shields asks him to act as a bodyguard for a famous country and western star.C.J. Profitt's return to her hometown of Prospect receives lots of publicity . . . and threats from a rightwing group calling themselves The Coalition for American Family Values.The beautiful, publicity seeking Ms. Proffit never fails to capitalize on her abrasive personality by flaunting her alternative lifestyle--a way of living the Coalition hates.Reluctantly, Jenkins accepts the assignment of keeping C.J. safe while she performs at a charity benefit. But Sam's job becomes more difficult when the object of his protection refuses to cooperate. During this misadventure, Sam hires a down-on-his-luck ex-New York detective and finds himself thrown back in time, meeting old Army acquaintances who factor into how he foils a complicated plot of attempted murder, the destruction of a Dollywood music hall, and other general insurrection on the "peaceful side of the Smokies."

Since this book will not be released until 2016, I'm going to give you some other Sam Jenkins purchase options. If you enjoy a good mystery, pick one up. Just click on the book cover and be directed to the Amazon buy link. I've really enjoyed the Sam Jenkins novels I've read to date.

In ROCK STAR by GARDEN SUMMERLAND, we meet Elizabeth, a woman who is turning 45 years old.She’s lost her zest for life through a series of events including a divorce.She’s decided that it’s easier to encase herself in her safe life, denying herself the pleasure of having a little fun and feel no pain rather than put herself out there and enjoying what life brings her and possibly suffering more heartbreak.That is until her best friend talks her into going out for her birthday where she meets a very sexy, very young man who has the power to bring her out of her funk if only for a short period of time. I enjoyed this short story as I do with all of Garden Summerland’s work.My nickname for Ms Summerland is the Queen of Flash Fiction.I’ve never read any other Flash Fiction work that even comes close to the emotion that Ms. Summerland’s makes me feel, so when I found out she wrote a short story, I was intrigued and couldn’t wait to read it.I was not disappointed. ROCK STAR is written in first person, which makes Elizabeth’s character come alive for me.And once again, the depth of emotion that Ms. Summerland is able to convey tugs at the reader’s heartstrings.This is not your typical romance and I guarantee at the end of the story, you’ll be surprised at what you are feeling.Being a short story, this is a quick read, so if you find you have a little extra time on your hands, pick this one up.I highly recommend.

Blurb:When Elizabeth Avery accepts an invitation for a girls night out to celebrate her 45th birthday, the last thing she has on her mind is love.But destiny intervenes when she meets Cain Cantrell, a glam rock star twenty years her junior.

After a night of passion, Cain asks for 24 hours to get to know her better. Questioning her own sanity and in total denial of the feelings she is having, she reluctantly agrees.But Cain is already in love. Can he convince an uptight Elizabeth to let her hair down once and for all, and allow their relationship more than just a day?